Caring for your Red and Black Walking Frog
Red and Black Walking Frog
(Melanobatrachus indicus)
Basic Information:
Red and Black Walking Frogs are striking, terrestrial amphibians known for their glossy black bodies contrasted by vivid red or orange markings. Unlike many frogs, they prefer walking over hopping, using deliberate movements as they navigate the forest floor. Native to humid tropical regions, they thrive in cool, shaded environments with dense leaf litter. Adults typically reach 1.5–2.5 inches and are nocturnal, spending daytime hours hidden under logs or burrowed in moist substrate.
Lifespan:
6-10 years in captivity with proper care
Sexing:
Sexing can be difficult.
Males tend to be slightly smaller.
Females are generally larger and rounder.
Because visual differences are subtle, sexing younger frogs is not always reliable.
Enclosure:
Minimum 18” x 18” x 12” for a pair or small group.
Provide ample hides, leaf litter, cork flats, and soft moss.
Substrate:
Use a moist, loose substrate such as:
Coconut fiber
Organic soil
A soil/sand mix
Provide 3–4 inches of depth to allow natural burrowing behavior.
Lighting & Temperature:
Basking: Not required.
Ambient Temperature: 68-75°F
UVB Lighting: Optional but beneficial; use a low-output 2.0 or 5.0 UVB for a 10–12 hour cycl
Humidity:
Maintain 70–90% humidity with daily misting. Provide adequate ventilation to avoid stagnant air. A large water bowl also helps maintain humidity.
Food:
Red and Black Walking Frogs are insectivores.
Offer:
Fruit flies
Springtails
Pinhead crickets
Small isopods
Mini mealworms (occasionally)
All feeder insects should be appropriately sized.
Water:
Provide a wide, shallow water dish for soaking. Replace water daily with dechlorinated or treated tap water.
Docile, unique, and visually stunning, Red and Black Walking Frogs are highly rewarding for amphibian enthusiasts who appreciate rare and unusual species. Their quiet nature and distinctive coloration make them an eye-catching addition to a bioactive terrarium.
Are Red and Black Walking Frogs For Sale Near Me?
If you're visiting from Adams County, Pennsylvania, swing by Critters, Reptiles & Exotics in Frederick, Maryland to check availability, pick up supplies, and get expert guidance on frog husbandry. There’s always a new adventure waiting at Critters, Reptiles & Exotics!